Accident Analysis

Several variables may affect the risk of a driver fatality in the event of a crash. These include driver characteristics such as age, gender and behavior (e.g. alcohol and seatbelt use), crash characteristics (e.g. direction of impact, vehicle speed at impact), and vehicle characteristics (e.g. weight, length, model year, air bags). However, it has been difficult for researchers to assess the independent contribution of these variables. Such analyses require data on a substantial number of variables, and a large sample size to control for numerous potential confounders and to provide accurate risk estimates.

Few databases contain sufficient information to perform meaningful analyses and are readily available to most researchers. One such database is the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) database collected by the US Department of Transportation. For every traffic fatality in the US , information about crash situations, drivers and passengers, and about the vehicles involved is added to the database. The FARS database contains data from 1975 onward. Many variables contained in FARS are not available in other national databases, making this database the most comprehensive tool to study fatal crashes. Although there are some biases in the reporting of the information, the quantity of information coded in the database, and number of crashes recorded allows for the control of many potential confounders, and for the calculation of crash estimates more easily generalizable to the general population. Further investigation of the relationship between these variables and fatal injuries may suggest strategies to minimize the number of fatal crashes.

In addition to data on potential confounders, the FARS database also allows the detailed examination of age as a fatality risk factor. Presently, most fatally injured drivers are younger drivers (<30 years). Although fewer older drivers are fatally injured every year compared with other age groups, this number is increasing steadily. One possible reason is that older vehicle occupants are a greater risk of a fatal injury than younger occupants. A detailed analysis of the contribution of age to driver fatalities could provide additional information to safety analysts and planners.

Consequently, the first aim of this study was to identify the independent contribution of driver, crash, and vehicle characteristics to fatal injuries sustained by drivers. Furthermore, the analyses were stratified according to age to better understand its contribution. We hope that this information will be useful to safety planners and policy-makers.

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